Question:

Can anyone give me some advice on a fly fishing life vest or personal floatation device? I’m interested in a model I can wear under my fishing vest when wading a river. I already purchased a standard vest, so hopefully the response isn’t to buy a vest with a floatation ballon built in (if they even manufacture something like that). What do people use when wading a river? Obviously, price isn’t really an issue… Thanks, Ryan

Response:

http://www.sospenders.com/models.html Look about halfway down the screen. I’d go with a manual (pull the lanyard) model. /daytripper (standard disclaimers apply) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Can anyone give me some advice on a fly fishing life vest or personal floatation device? I’m interested in a model I can wear under my fishing vest when wading a river. I already purchased a standard vest, so hopefully the response isn’t to buy a vest with a floatation ballon built in (if they even manufacture something like that). What do people use when wading a river? Obviously, price isn’t really an issue… Thanks, Ryan

Response:

Cabela’s and Pro Bass carry the Sospenders.  I got mine from Orvis a couple of years ago when the sold out at 50% off.  These things are great for tubing as you don’t even know they are on.  I think they have two sizes and the smaller is ok for most applications. DP

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Can anyone give me some advice on a fly fishing life vest or personal floatation device? I’m interested in a model I can wear under my fishing vest when wading a river. I already purchased a standard vest, so hopefully the response isn’t to buy a vest with a floatation ballon built in (if they even manufacture something like that). What do people use when wading a river? Obviously, price isn’t really an issue… Thanks, Ryan

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Question:

Wow, poignant. Too late wise, too soon old… — XLK9 Citizen Fisherman – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – If time could be bartered for gold, all the treasure that I have amassed, I would give up thrice tenthousandfold, to relive some things that are past, how my heart beat when we first met. I stammered,  my knees went weak, bewitched by each gesture and word, myself hardly able to speak.

Response:

(snippage of time grudgingly) TL MC

I can feel a great deal of empathy with that, Mike.  Conjures memories, stories of times past, stories of times to come.  Once these times have been spent, it is not time lost, but time which serves our memories again and again. Wayne to fish is human…to release Divine!!

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If time could be bartered for gold, all the treasure that I have amassed, I would give up thrice tenthousandfold, to relive some things that are past, how my heart beat when we first met. I stammered,  my knees went weak, bewitched by each gesture and word, myself hardly able to speak. Our first walks down by the river, how you were annoyed at my wishing, that instead of just walking and talking, we could linger awhile, and go fishing.

– snip — What a wonderful expose! It took me immediately to those moments back in 1962 when I was courting my lifelong partner. We have raised three children who all enjoy and appreciate the wonders of the out-of-doors. Today we still enjoy the rigors of tent camping, fishing, hiking and birdwatching. But, perhaps the greatest joy is now enjoying all of this with the newest generation. I had a chance to go fishing with my five year old granddaughter this past weekend. I was in seventh heaven and all because of the two people whose hearts shared those things that are natural. Thank you Mike. WLM

Response:

If time could be bartered for gold, all the treasure that I have amassed, I would give up thrice tenthousandfold, to relive some things that are past, how my heart beat when we first met. I stammered,  my knees went weak, bewitched by each gesture and word, myself hardly able to speak. Our first walks down by the river, how you were annoyed at my wishing, that instead of just walking and talking, we could linger awhile, and go fishing. The first time we actually fished, and you of course, caught far more than I, I did not stage it at all, my thoughts were elsewhere, than my cast and my fly How many more such days will there be?  together, just you and me, will we walk hand in hand by the stream?  happy and laughing and free. Time

Question:

Does anyone know how far away from the International Airport the Jungle Paw is? We are spending 3 nights there and then driving to the Green Parrot for a few days. I’ve read that the roads are pretty rough, I just need to know first hand how much time to allot.                                        Thanks, Mike&Anne ps. also any opinions of these places would be appreciated.

Response:

Hi Mike & Anne, I just checked the their web site and it says it is 75 minutes from the International airport outside Belize City. http://www.jaguarpaw.com/ The Green Parrot Resort is on the coast about 7 miles north of Placencia in Southern Belize. http://www.greenparrot-belize.com/index.html If you need any help getting around in Belize, just email Margie Perez, she is a good local travel agent at the airport outside of Belize City. My specialty is fishing in Belize. — Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento, CA, USA www.kiene.com

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Does anyone know how far away from the International Airport the Jungle Paw is? We are spending 3 nights there and then driving to the Green Parrot for a few days. I’ve read that the roads are pretty rough, I just need to know first hand how much time to allot.                                        Thanks, Mike&Anne ps. also any opinions of these places would be appreciated.

Response:

Mike, Was in Belize this past June, beautiful country!   Jaguar Paw is about 60 minutes from the airport.  The roads you’ll be driving aren’t rough at all, except down towards Placencia.  Take your time and enjoy the ride, and watch out for speed bumps.  Enjoy! -Carl – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Does anyone know how far away from the International Airport the Jungle Paw is? We are spending 3 nights there and then driving to the Green Parrot for a few days. I’ve read that the roads are pretty rough, I just need to know first hand how much time to allot.                                       Thanks, Mike&Anne ps. also any opinions of these places would be appreciated.

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Thanks to Carl and Bill for their time and infomation. Mike&Anne

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We are planning a trip in January to Belize. Unlike other tropical spots there is little on the hotel/resort ratings.  We are looking at Roberts Grove in Placencia, the Lighthouse Reef Resort, Lighthouse Reef and at Little Water Caye.  Any suggestions?  We are looking for something, clean, on the Hyatt Regency sort of standards of living… Before you buy.

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We are planning a trip in January to Belize. Unlike other tropical spots there is little on the hotel/resort ratings.  We are looking at Roberts Grove in Placencia, the Lighthouse Reef Resort, Lighthouse Reef and at Little Water Caye.  Any suggestions?  We are looking for something, clean, on the Hyatt Regency sort of standards of living… My Belize Book of Lists 2000 (hint:  it’s available via Amazon.com, Barnes&Noble.com, etc.!) does rate and rank hotels in all areas of Belize. Below are samples. There are some wonderful places in Belize, but if you are looking for big, glitzy resorts on the Hyatt Regency scale, Belize is probaly the wrong place. –Lan Sluder Editor & Publisher Belize First Magazine http://www.turq.com/belizefirst/ 10 Top Mainland Seaside Resorts Mainland beaches aren

Question:

Hi, Your best bet is to go to a Fly fishing show and pick up a C or ungraded neck there. A C neck will run about $65 and at the show you’ll be able to pick through the necks that they have there. Paul

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I want to spruce up some of my salmon and steelhead flies.  The only jungle cock eyes I’ve been able to find are a full neck for $135. Anyone know where I can find them cheaper? JR

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… at the show you’ll be able to pick through the necks that they have there.

If it’s cheap ‘necks you want, might I suggest a NASCAR or WWF event? –Steve

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www.myflyshop.com Michael and Young in British Columbia – I saw necks there for $82 Cdn. At about 63 cents US buys a Canadian dollar so it should be a good buy. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I want to spruce up some of my salmon and steelhead flies.  The only jungle cock eyes I’ve been able to find are a full neck for $135. Anyone know where I can find them cheaper? JR

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I want to spruce up some of my salmon and steelhead flies.  The only jungle cock eyes I’ve been able to find are a full neck for $135. Anyone know where I can find them cheaper? JR

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JR writes: I want to spruce up some of my salmon and steelhead flies.  The only jungle cock eyes I’ve been able to find are a full neck for $135. Anyone know where I can find them cheaper? JR

Hunter has a grade A for 125 and a B for $100.  I bought an ungraded for $60 — it was the best of the ungraded they had.  They also sell them by the ten pack for $5.95 — you get to select the size, small, medium, or large.   They are at: www.huntersangling.com, or 1-800-331-8558. hth Dave

Response:

I want to spruce up some of my salmon and steelhead flies.  The only jungle cock eyes I’ve been able to find are a full neck for $135. Anyone know where I can find them cheaper? JR

yes, but they won’t be as primo quality, which is just fine for fishing flies.  dave quoted some prices, i guess they are pretty standard. there are some shops in the northwest that carry them if you want to stay local.  let me know and i can e-mail you a number or two of shops in washington state. cb

Response:

Hello cb, It is my observation that grading Jungle Cock necks is pretty subjective and varies considerably depending on the vendor.  Over the years, I have often seen second grade necks which were in my estimation better than first grade.  The most important consideration by far is the number of feathers of a useful size in the neck.  The second thing most people look at is whether the feathers are split or not and then maybe the color, which is the least important factor.  In my opinion, whether the feathers are split or not is not very important.  For actual fishing, the fish won’t care. For photographing or display, you can apply a drop of  head cement to the back side and tease the split together before you tie them in – the split won’t be noticeable unless someone is specifically looking for it. Personally, I would select a cheaper neck with split feathers over an expensive one with fewer but unsplit feathers.  For something as costly as a Jungle Cock neck, I would first look at as many necks as possible before buying and I would not buy by mail order because of the subjectivity of grading. Best regards, Yuji Sakuma – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I want to spruce up some of my salmon and steelhead flies.  The only jungle cock eyes I’ve been able to find are a full neck for $135. Anyone know where I can find them cheaper? JR yes, but they won’t be as primo quality, which is just fine for fishing flies.  dave quoted some prices, i guess they are pretty standard. there are some shops in the northwest that carry them if you want to stay local.  let me know and i can e-mail you a number or two of shops in washington state. cb

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Question:

There is a new website for people interested in countryside pursuits, including fly fishing.  Its undfer development and need input from fellow fly fishers.  Why not take a look and add your input http://www.countrysidepursuits.co.uk

Response:

Countryside pursuits is a web site dedicated for countryside pursuits in the UK. Its under development and need of interaction for fellow game shooters.  So why not take a look and add your input to the site. http://www.countrysidepursuits.co.uk

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Question:

Anybody know of decent kitchenette/condo accomodations close to the quality water on the San Juan River in New Mexico?  Looking for a place with a kitchen and a separate bedroom. John F

Response:

Anybody know of decent kitchenette/condo accomodations close to the quality water on the San Juan River in New Mexico?  Looking for a place with a kitchen and a separate bedroom. John F

Hi John You might try Abe’s Motel & Fly Shop at Navaho Dam. I’ve never been there but they are sure nice to talk with on the phone. — Tight Lines ….. Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products On line catalog – tips & tricks at: http://www.btsflyfishing.com

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        Does anybody know a good place to stay near the quality water on the San Juan, where they have units with two rooms?  Like a kitchenette with a bedroom and a sofabed in the main room?  The only place I’ve stayed there, is Abe’s, and I don’t recall they had any rooms like that.         Also, is the fishing usually good there in late September/early October?

The Best Western in Farmington!  I’m getting soft, but the hot tub and pool!! Not to much of a drive to the river. Doug — Doug & Tammy Stephens Paris, Idaho

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        Does anybody know a good place to stay near the quality water on the San Juan, where they have units with two rooms?  Like a kitchenette with a bedroom and a sofabed in the main room?  The only place I’ve stayed there, is Abe’s, and I don’t recall they had any rooms like that.         Also, is the fishing usually good there in late September/early October?

each passing year with the competition.  Best to take a camper.  Stay as independent as you can be here.  We pull a camper, can sleep four, cook ourselves, wax away near the river.  Several other places are available but buyer beware.  Your money can go fast here. — George Gehrke/President Gehrke’s World’s Best Fly Fishing Products Snake River – Hell’s Canyon Asotin, WA 99402 / 509-243-4100  FAX 4644

Response:

        Does anybody know a good place to stay near the quality water on the San Juan, where they have units with two rooms?  Like a kitchenette with a bedroom and a sofabed in the main room?  The only place I’ve stayed there, is Abe’s, and I don’t recall they had any rooms like that.         Also, is the fishing usually good there in late September/early October?

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Question:

I’ll be in Miami the first week in October.  What’s running in the northern Keys or Biscanne Bay?  I’ve flyrodded these flats before and alothough I know big bones are there, we saw very few fish.  Of course it could have been, and probably was a bad fish day, but I might try again. Any suggestion for guides out of Miami? Adam

Response:

Try Luis Cruz at 305-262-4330. His beeper is 305-313-8491 (when tone rings just enter your phone number including area code there is no voice message). I’ve fished with many of the best guides in the Keys, including some of the famous legends. Luis is young, knowledgeable, hardworking, and has put me into fish every trip…I’ll be doing some flyfishing for permit with him in mid-September. He’s a number one guide who knows Key Biscayne like his back yard. Bob Elliott, Rochester, NY

Response:

I’ll be in Miami the first week in October.  What’s running in the northern Keys or Biscanne Bay?  I’ve flyrodded these flats before and alothough I know big bones are there, we saw very few fish.  Of course it could have been, and probably was a bad fish day, but I might try again. Any suggestion for guides out of Miami? Adam

This is a good time to fish because it is cooling a little and the flats are not so crowded. You might find some baby tarpon ( 10 to 30#), bonefish, permit or redfish. This is the second season, Oct/Nov. The spring, April/May/June, is the most popular time to fish southern Florida. At this time you also have the big migration of tarpon. William Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento,CA,USA

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Question:

I am going on a 7 day canoe trip in Quetico Prov. Park in Ontario in July. Does anyone have any information on what gear and flys to use for the smallmouth bass and pike. Thanks

Response:

I am going on a 7 day canoe trip in Quetico Prov. Park in Ontario in July. Does anyone have any information on what gear and flys to use for the smallmouth bass and pike. Thanks

I was up there 2 years ago for a 14 day trip and what an experience!!  Although we weren’t fly fishing, several people were.  The patterns which they said were effective were assorted minnow patterns (Muddler, Sculpin) as well as a crawfish pattern.  Glo balls would probably work well from what I saw.  I was primarily spincasting and killed the smallmouth on a little floating rapala about 2 inches long.  We seemed to hit most of the bass below waterfalls.  My dad caught one that was almost 4 1/2 pounds!  Watch out for the Pike.  They chomped anything that they could catch.  You might also have fun with the walleye.  Besides, IMHO walleye taste much better than smallmouth. Let me know how it went (I’m jealous). Tom Cavitt

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Question:

Why not deal with a local fly shop. That way you get personal service and help the local economy. You never know what the loss of a local shop means until you lose one that has been undercut on prices by one of the large mail order chains. I dont own a shop but our area recently lost one and now every one realises what we had but have now lost. Jack

Response:

This is gonna sound like a minor problem, given everything else we have to deal with. But ya know how a little something, if left to it’s own accord, tends to grow and gnaw at you, just bugging the crap out of you until you have to bitch to somebody. Last year around this time, I called L.L. Bean’s 800 number and asked for their fly fishing catalog. They said they would send it when it was done. Couple months later, nothing, so I called again. "Oh sure, send it right out." Few more months…nothing. So I filled out a form from a magazine. Nothing. Month later, sent my own postcard requesting the catalog. Month or so, nothing. Called again. "Gee, don’t know what the problem is. We’ll get one right out to you." Needless to say it’s one year on, and I’ve received every stinking catalog those people put out except for the one I want. At this point I’m disinclined to buy from them, I just want the catalog to chalk up a moral victory, and add it to my growing collection. Have I done something wrong? Am I not the L.L. Bean type and they know it? Have they checked my credit rating before sending the catalog? Has anyone else had this problem? Does anyone know anybody at L.L. Bean with some weight? Thanks for letting me waste bandwidth. I do feel much better Roger Backlar

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Question:

 Going to Callaway Gardens 70 miles So. of Atlanta Ga. to fly fish in a float at end of October.  Bass is thje object.  What do you know?

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I didn’t know Callaway had fishing trips – I would like some info also.  

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(Allen Turner) writes: fish in a float at end of October.  Bass is thje object.  What do you know?

What is there to know besides it is somewhat expensive……. Seriously The Callaway Gardens resort has some lakes (10 is what sticks in my head but it is not important) which they have designated as guided flyfishing C&R only for Largemouth Bass and Breams. The lakes are only open periodically, they are maintained to keep out unwanted grasses and predators and from what I’ve seen and heard the Bass get very big. I have not personally done it as it is a little costly when I’m so close to Lake Lanier and the fact that I did not care for the guy who set it up, who has sent moved on. But several friends have done it and I have seen the pictures, no one I have talked to about it has been disappointed. If you can get a copy of the latest "Orvis News", I noticed it was mentioned in there. E-mail if I can help further.

Response:

(Allen Turner) writes: fish in a float at end of October.  Bass is thje object.  What do you know? What is there to know besides it is somewhat expensive…….

I concur. I have a friend who spent four days there and it was as pricey as getting a guided float tour in a Mackenzie on the Hiwassee. HOWEVER, he caught bream as big as most average bass (1-2 lbs) and one 3lb. and 1 4-5lb  (He says You’ll have fun, I’m sure. –Chandler

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